Vilazodone inclusion complexes, compositions and preparation thereof

ABSTRACT

Disclosed herein are inclusion complexes comprising vilazodone or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof and an inclusion material, compositions and pharmaceutical formulations comprising the inclusion complexes, and methods for preparing the inclusion complexes, compositions or pharmaceutical formulations.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a national stage application of International Application PCT/CN2017/108881, filed Nov. 1, 2017, which claims the benefit of Chinese Application No.: 201610938591.6, filed Nov. 2, 2016, the contents of each of which are incorporated by reference in their entireties into the present disclosure.

FIELD OF DISCLOSURE

This disclosure relates to the field of pharmaceutical, in particular, pharmaceutical formulations comprising vilazodone and methods of preparation thereof.

BACKGROUND

Vilazodone, an antidepressant, is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor and a 5HT1A receptor partial agonist. VIIBRYD® tablet which contains vilazodone hydrochloride polymorph Form IV was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2011 for the treatment of major depressive disorder. The VIIBRYD® label expressly states that VIIBRYD® should be administered with food as administration without food can result in inadequate drug concentrations and may reduce effectiveness.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, provided herein is an inclusion complex comprising an active ingredient and an inclusion material, wherein the active ingredient is vilazodone or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and the inclusion material is cyclodextrin or a derivative thereof.

Also provided, in some embodiments, is composition comprising an active ingredient and an inclusion material, wherein the active ingredient is vilazodone or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. In some embodiments, at least about 50% of the active ingredient is contained in inclusion complexes comprising the active ingredient and the inclusion material. In some embodiments, at least about 80% of the active ingredient is contained in inclusion complexes comprising the active ingredient and the inclusion material. In some embodiments, at least about 90% of the active ingredient is contained in the inclusion complexes. In some embodiments, the inclusion material comprises cyclodextrin or a derivative thereof.

In some embodiments, the weight ratio of active ingredient and inclusion material is about 1:2.4 to about 1:45.4. In some embodiments, the weight ratio of the active ingredient and the inclusion material is about 1:5 to about 1:45.4. In some embodiments, the weight ratio of the active ingredient and the inclusion material is about 1:6.5 to about 1:45.4. In some embodiments, the weight ratio of the active ingredient and the inclusion material is about 1:8 to about 1:16.5.

In some embodiments, the molar ratio of the active ingredient to the inclusion material in the composition or formulation, or the mixture which is used to prepare the composition or formulation, is from about 1:0.5 to about 1:10. In some embodiments, the molar ratio is about 1:0.8 to about 1:10. In some embodiments, the molar ratio is about 1:1.4 to about 1:10. In some embodiments, the molar ratio is about 1:0.8 to about 1:2.5. In some embodiments, the molar ratio is about 1:1.4 to about 1:2.5.

In some embodiments, the inclusion material is selected from a group consisting of α-cyclodextrin, β-cyclodextrin, and γ-cyclodextrin and derivatives thereof. In some embodiments, the inclusion material is hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin or sulfobutyl-β-cyclodextrin.

In some embodiments, the inclusion complex is prepared by a method comprising mixing the active ingredient and the inclusion material in a solvent to form an inclusion complex composition (e.g., an inclusion complex solution) comprising the inclusion complex.

In some embodiments, the inclusion complex is prepared by a method comprising (1) preparing an inclusion complex solution; and (2) drying the inclusion complex solution to obtain a solid inclusion complex composition comprising the inclusion complex.

In another aspect, provided is a pharmaceutical formulation comprising the inclusion complex comprising vilazodone.

In some embodiments, the formulation is an oral formulation. In some embodiments, the formulation is in the form of tablets, pills, capsules, granules, soft capsules, dry suspensions, or an oral liquid.

In some embodiments, the formulation further comprises one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients. In some embodiments, the pharmaceutically acceptable excipients comprise one or more of fillers, disintegrants, and lubricants. In some embodiments, the pharmaceutically acceptable excipients comprise one or more intragranular excipient(s) and one or more extragranular excipient(s).

In some embodiments, the filler is at least selected from lactose, sucrose, fructose, fructo-oligose, glucose, maltose, powdered sugar, D-mannitol, erythritol, xylitol, corn starch, potato starch, rice starch, part of the alpha starch, microcrystalline cellulose, calcium sulfate, calcium hydrogen phosphate and calcium carbonate; the disintegrant is at least selected from starch, microcrystalline cellulose, carboxymethylcellulose calcium, croscarmellose sodium, crospovidone, sodium carboxymethyl starch, low substituted hydroxypropylcellulose; and the lubricant is at least selected from magnesium stearate, calcium stearate, sodium stearyl fumarate, stearic acid, talc, polyethylene glycol, sucrose fatty acid esters, silicon dioxide, and a combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the formulation comprises about 2% w/w to about 8% w/w of vilazodone based on the total weight of the formulation. In some embodiments, the formulation comprises about 20% w/w to about 70% w/w of the inclusion material based on the total weight of the formulation. In some embodiments, the formulation comprises about 20% w/w to about 80% w/w of a filler based on the total weight of the formulation. In some embodiments, the formulation comprises about 0% w/w to about 25% w/w of a disintegrant based on the total weight of the formulation. In some embodiments, the formulation comprises about 0% w/w to about 2% w/w of a lubricant based on the total weight of the formulation. In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical formulation comprises about 2% to about 8% w/w of vilazodone. In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical formulation comprises about 30% to about 50% w/w of the inclusion material. In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical formulation comprises about 30% to about 50% w/w of the filler. In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical formulation comprises about 5% to about 15% w/w of the disintegrant. In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical formulation comprises about 0.5% to about 1.5% w/w of the lubricant.

In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical formulation comprises about 2% w/w to about 8% w/w of vilazodone, about 20% w/w to about 70% w/w of the inclusion material, about 20% w/w to about 80% w/w of the filler, about 0% w/w to about 25% w/w of the disintegrant, and about 0% w/w to about 2% w/w of the lubricant based on the total weight of the formulation. In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical formulation comprises about 2% w/w to about 8% w/w of vilazodone, about 30% w/w to about 50% w/w of the inclusion material, about 30% w/w to about 50% w/w of a filler, about 5% w/w to about 15% w/w of an disintegrant, and about 0.5% w/w to about 1.5% w/w of a lubricant based on the total weight of the formulation.

In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical formulation comprises about 5% w/w of vilazodone, about 40% w/w of the inclusion material, about 44% w/w of the filler, about 10% w/w of the disintegrant, and about 1% w/w of the lubricant based on the total weight of the formulation.

In another aspect, provided are methods of preparing a pharmaceutical formulation comprising the inclusion complex described herein.

In some embodiments, the method comprises mixing an inclusion complex composition comprising the inclusion complex with a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient.

In some embodiments, the method comprises: blending an inclusion complex composition comprising the inclusion complex with a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient, such as a filler, disintegrant, and/or lubricant to obtain total mixed particles; and compressing the total mixed particles into a pharmaceutical formulation, such as tablet cores.

In some embodiments, the method further comprises coating the tablet cores.

In some embodiments, the method comprises: a) dissolving the active ingredient and the inclusion material to form an inclusion complex solution; b) adding the intragranular excipients to the inclusion complex solution, granulating and drying the mixture to form dry granules; and c) compressing the dry granules with extragranular excipients to form a pharmaceutical formulation, such as tablet cores.

In some embodiments, the method further comprises coating the tablet cores.

In some embodiments, the method comprises: a) dissolving the active ingredient and the inclusion material to form an inclusion complex solution; b) adding intragranular excipients such as the filler to the inclusion complex solution, granulating and drying the mixture in a fluidized bed granulator to obtain dry granules; and c) blending the dry granules with extragranular excipients to obtain the total mixed particles, pressing the total mixed particles to form a pharmaceutical formulation, such as tablet cores, or filling the total mixed particles in hard capsules.

In some embodiments, the method comprises: a) dissolving the active ingredient and the inclusion material to form an inclusion complex solution; and b) adding the filler to the inclusion complex solution, granulating and drying the mixture to form dry granules.

These and other aspects will be further described in the texts that follow.

DETAILED DESCRIPTIONS

As used in the present disclosure, the following words and phrases are generally intended to have the meanings as set forth below, except to the extent that the context in which they are used indicates otherwise.

The term “comprise” and variations thereof, such as, “comprises” and “comprising” are to be construed in an open, inclusive sense, that is, as “including, but not limited to.” “Consisting essentially of” or its grammatic variants when used to define compositions and methods, shall mean excluding other elements of any essential significance to the compositions and methods for the intended use, but not excluding elements that do not materially affect the characteristic(s) of the compositions or methods. “Consisting of” or its grammatic variants shall mean excluding elements not specifically recited. Embodiments defined by each of these transition terms are within the scope of this invention. For example, when a formulation is described as comprising ingredients A, B and C, a formulation consisting essentially of A, B and C, and a formulation consisting of A, B and C are independently within the scope of this invention.

The singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, reference to “the excipient” includes a plurality of such excipients.

As used herein, the term “about” used in the context of quantitative measurements means the indicated amount ±10%, ±5%, or ±1% of the stated value. For example, “about 10” would mean 9-11, 9.5-10.5 or 9.9-10.1. The term “about X” also includes “X”.

Recitation of numeric ranges of values throughout the disclosure is intended to serve as a shorthand notation of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range inclusive of the values defining the range, and each separate value is incorporated in the specification as it were individually recited herein.

The term “% w/w” as used herein refers to the weight of a component based on the total weight of a composition comprising the component. For example, if vilazodone is present in an amount of 50 mg in a composition having a total weight of 100 mg, then vilazodone is present in an amount of 50% w/w.

The term “pharmaceutically acceptable” refers to a material that is not biologically or otherwise undesirable, e.g., the material may be incorporated into a pharmaceutical formulation administered to a patient without causing any significant undesirable biological effects or interacting in a deleterious manner with any of the other components of the formulation in which it is contained. Pharmaceutically acceptable vehicles (e.g., carriers, adjuvants, and/or other excipients) have preferably met the required standards of toxicological and manufacturing testing and/or are included on the Inactive Ingredient Guide prepared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

The term “excipient” or “pharmaceutically acceptable excipients” refers to fillers, diluents, disintegrants, precipitation inhibitors, surfactants, glidants, binders, lubricants, and other excipients and vehicles with which the compound is administered. Excipients are generally described herein and also in “Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences” by E. W. Martin.

The term “filler” refers to chemical compounds that are added to an active ingredient facilitate formulation. Non-limiting examples of fillers include lactose, sucrose, fructose, fructo-oligose, glucose, maltose, powdered sugar and other sugars, D-mannitol, erythritol, xylitol and other sugar alcohols, corn starch, potato starch, rice starch, certain types of alpha starch and other starch, microcrystalline cellulose and other cellulose, calcium sulfate, calcium hydrogen phosphate and calcium carbonate and other inorganic salts.

The term “binder” when used herein relates to any pharmaceutically acceptable excipient which can be used to bind together the active ingredient and inert components together to maintain cohesive and discrete portions. Non-limiting examples of binders include hydroxypropylcellulose, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, povidone, copovidone, and ethyl cellulose.

The term “disintegrant” refers to a substance which, upon addition to a solid preparation, facilitates its break-up or disintegration after administration and permits the release of an active ingredient. Non-limiting examples of disintegrants include starch, maize starch, sodium starch glycolate, croscarmellose sodium, crospovidone, microcrystalline cellulose, modified corn starch, sodium carboxymethyl starch, povidone, pregelatinized starch, carboxymethylcellulose calcium, low substituted hydroxypropylcellulose, and alginic acid.

The term “lubricant” refers to a substance added to a powder blend to prevent the compacted powder mass from sticking to the equipment during the tableting or encapsulation process. A lubricant can aid the ejection of the tablet form the dies, and can improve powder flow. Non-limiting examples of lubricants include magnesium stearate, stearic acid, silica, fats, calcium stearate, polyethylene glycol, sodium stearyl fumarate, sucrose fatty acid esters, or talc; and solubilizers such as fatty acids including lauric acid, oleic acid, and C₈/C₁₀ fatty acid.

The term “coating” refers to a thin film on the surface of a substrate (e.g. tablet). Coatings can be useful in protecting the active ingredient(s) from photolytic degradation. Non-limiting examples of coatings include polyvinylalcohol based, hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, polyethylene glycol 4000 and cellulose acetate phthalate coatings.

As used herein, the term “reference listed drug” or “RLD” refers to the oral tablet approved by the U.S. FDA under NDA No. 022567 and marketed under the brand name VIIBRYD® which contains 10 mg, 20 mg or 40 mg of vilazodone hydrochloride in polymorph Form IV.

It would be understood that vilazodone refers to the compound, 5-(4-[4-(5-cyano-1H-indol-3-yl)butyl]-1-piperazinyl)-2-benzofuran-2-carboxamide, of the structure:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. In some embodiments, vilazodone refers to 5-(4-[4-(5-cyano-1H-indol-3-yl)butyl]-1-piperazinyl)-2-benzofuran-2-carboxamide hydrochloride, i.e., vilazodone hydrochloride, or the hydrochloric acid salt of vilazodone. In some embodiments, the weight, weight ratio or weight percentage of vilazodone refers to the weight, weight ratio or weight percentage of vilazodone hydrochloride.

This disclosure provides solutions to at least the low bioavailability problem of vilazodone when administered in a fasted state, and allows vilazodone to be administered with or without food.

The label of current vilazodone drug product on the market, VIIBRYD® (the reference listed drug), indicates that it should be administered with food in order to achieve a 70% bioavailability and ensure effectiveness. Under fasted conditions, the bioavailability can be decreased by approximately 50%, which may result in diminished effectiveness in some patients.

The pharmaceutical formulations comprising vilazodone prepared using the microcarrier technology disclosed in CN104116741A exhibited a 50% dissolution rate of vilazodone in 0.1 N HCl after 60 minutes, which failed to produce a significant improvement in the dissolution rate over the reference listed drug VIIBRYD®, indicating that when the vilazodone formulations produced by the microcarrier technology are administered without food, the bioavailability of vilazodone still would not meet treatment requirement.

The inventors discovered that a main cause of the difference in vilazodone bioavailability between fasted and fed conditions is the significant difference in the solubility of vilazodone under different physiological pH conditions. Vilazodone is mainly absorbed in the small intestine where the physiological pH is about 6.8, and the solubility of vilazodone under such a pH is very low. Thus the amount and rate of vilazodone that is dissolved in the stomach will affect its absorption in the small intestine. Vilazodone dissolves well in a pH 3.1 buffer (simulated stomach fed conditions). Accordingly, when administered with food, vilazodone exhibits good release and bioavailability. However, in a 0.1 N HCl solution (simulated stomach fasted conditions), the solubility of vilazodone is poor, resulting in a significant reduction in bioavailability.

The inventors further discovered in one aspect, the inclusion complex of this technology comprising vilazodone exhibited good solubility, drug release and bioavailability in a pH 3.1 buffer (simulated stomach fed conditions), a 0.1 HCl solution (simulated stomach fasted conditions), as well as a pH 6.8 buffer (simulated small intestine physiological conditions), thus reducing or eliminating the effect of pH on drug release. Further, the increase in vilazodone dissolution and bioavailability of the inclusion complex is not limited by the crystalline forms of vilazodone.

U.S. Pat. No. 8,673,921 (hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety) reports that vilazodone has a number of crystal polymorphs, among them Form IV has the best solubility and it is used in vilazodone formulations to ensure bioavailability. It was discovered that not only the dissolution rates of formulations prepared by the technology disclosed herein are unaffected by pH, the dissolution rates of the reported low solubility polymorphs are also significantly increased by this technology. As shown in the examples, using known formulation, the drug dissolution of Form XVI was lower than the reference listed drug comprising Form IV. However, using the technology disclosed herein, the dissolution of Form XVI was significantly increased. For example, even in a pH 6.8 media, the dissolution increased from single digit percentage to about 75% (Table 19 below).

Accordingly, provided herein is an oral formulation comprising vilazodone whose administration is not affected by food, thereby increasing patients' compliance and improve drug effectiveness.

In one aspect, provided herein is an inclusion complex comprising an active ingredient and an inclusion material. The active ingredient may be vilazodone or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt. The inclusion material, for example, can be cyclodextrin or a derivative thereof or other molecules (e.g., inclusion compounds) capable of including the active ingredient. In some embodiments, one active ingredient molecule is included within the cavity of one inclusion material molecule. In some embodiments, one active ingredient molecule is included within the cavities of two inclusion material molecules.

Also provided are compositions and formulations comprising the inclusion complexes, and mixtures for preparing the inclusion complexes. In some embodiments, at least about 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 98%, or 99% of the active ingredient in the compositions or formulations is included in inclusion complexes.

In some embodiments, the weight ratio of the active ingredient to the inclusion material in the composition or formulation, or the mixture which is used to prepare the composition or formulation, is from about 1:2.4 to 1:45.4. In some embodiments, the weight ratio is 1:5 to 1:45.4. In some embodiments, the weight ratio is 1:6.5 to 1:45.4. In some embodiments, the weight ratio is 1:8 to 1:16.5.

In some embodiments, the molar ratio of the active ingredient to the inclusion material in the composition or formulation, or the mixture which is used to prepare the composition or formulation, is from 1:0.5 to 1:10. In some embodiments, the molar ratio is 1:0.8 to 1:10. In some embodiments, the molar ratio is 1:1.4 to 1:10. In some embodiments, the molar ratio is 1:0.8 to 1:2.5. In some embodiments, the molar ratio is 1:1.4 to 1:2.5.

In some embodiments, the active ingredient is vilazodone hydrochloride. In some embodiments, the active ingredient is a crystalline form of vilazodone. In some embodiments, the active ingredient is a crystalline form of vilazodone hydrochloride. In some embodiments, the dissolution rate of a formulation comprising the inclusion complex in 0.1 N HCl is as high as 90% or more, significantly higher than that of the reference listed drug. In some embodiments, the dissolution rate of a formulation comprising the inclusion complex is at least 10 times of the dissolution rate of the reference listed drug.

In some embodiments, the inclusion rate is at least 50%. In some embodiments, the inclusion rate is at least 80%. In some embodiments, the inclusion rate is at least 90%. High inclusion rates lead to higher improvement in solubility and bioavailability under fasted conditions or the physiological conditions of the small intestine.

Cyclodextrin and its derivatives are compounds having sugar molecules (such as glucose) or derivatives thereof bound together in a ring (cyclic oligosaccharides). Derivatives of cyclodextrin including derivatives of α-cyclodextrin, β-cyclodextrin or γ-cyclodextrin in which the hydrogen atoms of one or more of the hydroxyl groups are replaced with a substituent, such as an alkyl or substituted alkyl (—R), acyl (—C(O)R), and sulfate (—S(O)₂OH or a salt thereof), wherein R is an alkyl or substituted alkyl. In some embodiments, R is an alkyl having 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 carbon atoms (C₁-C₆ alkyl), such as methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, isobutyl, pentyl, hexyl, etc. In some embodiments, R is an alkyl substituted with one or more substituents independently selected from hydroxy and sulfate, such as hydroxylmethyl (—CH₂OH), or sulfobutyl (—CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂S(O)₂OH or a salt thereof). Examples of cyclodextrin and its derivatives include but are not limited to α-cyclodextrin, β-cyclodextrin, γ-cyclodextrin, hydroxyethyl-β-cyclodextrin, hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (also known as hydroxypropyl betadex, beta cyclodextrin hydroxypropyl ethers or HPBCD), 2-hydroxypropyl)-β-cyclodextrin, sulfobutyl-β-cyclodextrin, dihydro-β-cyclodextrin, methyl-β-cyclodextrin, dimethyl-β-cyclodextrin, hydroxypropyl-γ-cyclodextrin, betadex sulfobutyl ether sodium (also known as sulfobutyl ether-beta-cyclodextrin, sulfobutyl ether-β-cyclodextrin sodium salt, sulfobutyl ether-β-cyclodextrin, sulfobutyl ether-β-cyclodextrin sodium salt, or SBE-β-CD or SBECD), glucose cyclodextrin, maltodextrin, carboxymethyl cyclodextrin, and sulfoalkyl cyclodextrin.

In some embodiments, the inclusion material is at least one selected from a group consisting of α-cyclodextrin, β-cyclodextrin and γ-cyclodextrin and derivatives thereof. In some embodiments, the inclusion material is hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin or sulfobutyl-β-cyclodextrin.

In some embodiments, the inclusion material does not comprise lactose, mannitol, microcrystalline cellulose, or crospovidone.

In some embodiments, the composition comprising the inclusion complex is in a liquid form such as an inclusion complex solution or suspension. In some embodiments, the inclusion complex composition is a solid inclusion complex composition.

The examples show that the technology disclosed herein allows vilazodone molecules enclosed inside the cavities of cyclodextrin or a derivative thereof. Upon inclusion, the crystalline form of the drug is lost and the drug enters the cavities of the inclusion material at a molecular level with high dispersion rate. It is surprisingly discovered that the solubility of the resulting inclusion complex is not significantly affected by pH, thereby improving bioavailability and ensuring the effectiveness of the drug when administered without food.

In another aspect, provided is a method for preparing the inclusion complex.

In some embodiments, the method comprises dissolving the active ingredient and the inclusion material in a solvent (such as an aqueous solvent, e.g., water) for a period of time, such as at least about 1 hour, at least about 2 hours, at least about 4 hours to form the inclusion complex.

In some embodiments, the method comprises: (1) preparing an inclusion complex solution; and (2) optionally drying the inclusion complex solution to obtain a solid inclusion complex composition comprising the inclusion complexes.

In some embodiments, the inclusion complex solution is prepared by mixing the active ingredient and the inclusion material in an aqueous solvent, such as water. In some embodiments, the inclusion complex solution is prepared by preparing a saturated aqueous solution. In some embodiments, the inclusion complex is prepared by grinding. In some embodiments, the active ingredient and the inclusion material are grinded in an sufficient amount of an aqueous solvent, such as water (e.g., at least about 5 mL, at least about 10 mL, at least about 20 mL per gram of the active ingredient) for a sufficient amount of time (e.g., at least about 1 hour, at least about 2 hours, at least about 4 hours) to form the inclusion complex. In some embodiments, the inclusion complex solution is prepared by an ultrasonic method. In some embodiments, a mixture of the active ingredient and the inclusion material in an aqueous solvent is treated with ultrasound until a solution is obtained.

In some embodiments, the method comprises elevating the temperature of the solvent to above room temperature and below the boiling point of the solvent, such as from about 40° C. to about 100° C., from about 60° C. to 90° C., or about 80° C.

In some embodiments, the solid inclusion complex composition is prepared by spray drying the inclusion complex solution. In some embodiments, the solid inclusion complex composition is prepared by freeze-drying the inclusion complex solution.

In some embodiments, the inclusion complex is prepared by a method comprising (1) preparing an inclusion complex solution by a method comprising at least one selected from a group consisting of preparing a saturated aqueous solution, grinding and ultrasonic methods; and (2) obtaining a solid inclusion complex composition comprising the inclusion complex by a method comprising spray-drying or freeze-drying the inclusion complex solution.

In another aspect, provided is a pharmaceutical formulation comprising the inclusion complex comprising vilazodone.

In some embodiments, the formulation is an oral formulation. In some embodiments, the formulation is in the form of tablets, pills, capsules, granules, soft capsules, dry suspensions, or oral liquid.

In some embodiments, the formulation further comprises one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients. In some embodiments, the pharmaceutically acceptable excipients include, but are not limited to one or more of fillers, disintegrants, and lubricants.

In some embodiments, the filler is selected from lactose, sucrose, fructose, fructo-oligose, glucose, maltose, powdered sugar, D-mannitol, erythritol, xylitol, corn starch, potato starch, rice starch, alpha starch, microcrystalline cellulose, calcium sulfate, calcium hydrogen phosphate and calcium carbonate, and a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the disintegrant is at least selected from starch, microcrystalline cellulose, carboxymethylcellulose calcium, croscarmellose sodium, crospovidone, sodium carboxymethyl starch, low substituted hydroxypropylcellulose, and a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the lubricant is at least selected from magnesium stearate, calcium stearate, sodium stearyl fumarate, stearic acid, talc, polyethylene glycol, sucrose fatty acid esters, silicon dioxide, and a combination thereof.

It was surprisingly found that the oral formulation disclosed herein achieved high bioavailabilities when administered without food similar to administration with food, which reduces limitations on drug administration, increases patients flexibility and compliance, as well as avoids possible ineffectiveness when improperly administered, thereby ensuring effectiveness. It is to be understood that the advantageous properties of the inclusion complex are found in the formulations comprising the inclusion complex.

The excipients in the formulations disclosed herein facilitate achievement of the effectiveness of the active ingredient in the inclusion complex, and allow convenient production, transportation, storage and administration. For example, addition of a filler improves molding, allowing easier administration; addition of a disintegrant facilitate rapid dissociation of the formulation and release of the active ingredient; and a lubricant reduces the stickiness of the drug during manufacture.

In some embodiments, the filler is one or more of lactose, sucrose, fructose, fructo-oligose, glucose, maltose, powdered sugar, D-mannitol, erythritol, xylitol, corn starch, potato starch, rice starch, alpha starch, microcrystalline cellulose, calcium sulfate, calcium hydrogen phosphate and calcium carbonate; the disintegrant is at least selected from starch, microcrystalline cellulose, carboxymethylcellulose calcium, croscarmellose sodium, crospovidone, sodium carboxymethyl starch, low substituted hydroxypropylcellulose; the lubricant is at least selected from magnesium stearate, calcium stearate, sodium stearyl fumarate, stearic acid, talc, polyethylene glycol, sucrose fatty acid esters, or silicon dioxide.

In some embodiments, the formulation comprises 2% w/w to 8% w/w of vilazodone based on the total weight of the formulation. In some embodiments, the formulation comprises 20% w/w to 70% w/w of a filler based on the total weight of the formulation. In some embodiments, the formulation comprises 0% w/w to 25% w/w of a disintegrant based on the total weight of the formulation. In some embodiments, the formulation comprises 0% w/w to 2% w/w of a lubricant based on the total weight of the formulation. In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical formulation comprises 2% to 8% w/w of vilazodone. In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical formulation comprises 30% to 50% w/w of the inclusion material. In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical formulation comprises 30% to 50% w/w of the filler. In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical formulation comprises 5% to 15% w/w of the disintegrant. In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical formulation comprises 0.5% to 1.5% w/w of the lubricant.

In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical formulation comprises 2% to 8% w/w of vilazodone, 20% to 70% w/w of the inclusion material, 20% to 80% w/w of the filler, about 0% to 25% w/w of the disintegrant, and 0% to 2% w/w of the lubricant, based on the total weight of the formulation. In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical formulation comprises 2% to 8% w/w of vilazodone, 30% to about 50% w/w of the inclusion material, 30% to 50% w/w of the filler, 5% to 15% w/w of the disintegrant, and 0.5% to 1.5% w/w of the lubricant, based on the total weight of the formulation.

In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical formulation comprises 5% w/w of vilazodone, 40% w/w of the inclusion material, 44% w/w of the filler, 10% w/w of the disintegrant, and 1% w/w of the lubricant, based on the total weight of the formulation.

In some embodiments, the pharmaceutically acceptable excipients comprise one or more intragranular excipient(s) (excipient(s) added before granulation and are part of the granules) and one or more extragranular excipient(s) (excipient(s) added to after granulation to be mixed with the granules).

In another aspect, provided herein are methods of preparing pharmaceutical formulations comprising the inclusion complex described herein.

In some embodiments, the method comprises mixing an inclusion complex composition comprising the inclusion complex with a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient.

In some embodiments, the method comprises: blending an inclusion complex composition comprising the inclusion complex with a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient, such as a filler, disintegrant, and/or lubricant to obtain total mixed particles; and compressing the total mixed particles into a pharmaceutical formulation, such as tablet cores.

In some embodiments, the method comprises: a) preparing a solid inclusion complex, which method comprises: weighing the inclusion material and the active ingredient, dissolving the inclusion material in water completely, adding the active ingredient while stirring, stirring the mixture in a water bath until a clear inclusion complex solution is obtained, and spray drying the mixture to obtain a solid inclusion complex composition comprising the inclusion complex; b) blending the inclusion complex composition with one or more of the filler, disintegrant, and lubricant to obtain total mixed particles; and c) compressing the total mixed particles to obtain tablet cores.

In some embodiments, the method comprises: a) dissolving the active ingredient and the inclusion material to form an inclusion complex solution; b) adding the intragranular excipients to the inclusion complex solution, granulating and drying the mixture to form dry granules; and c) compressing the dry granules with extragranular excipients to form tablet cores.

In some embodiments, the method comprises a) preparing an inclusion complex solution, which method comprises: weighing the inclusion material and the active ingredient, dissolving the inclusion material in water completely, adding the active ingredient while stirring, stirring the mixture in water bath until a clear inclusion complex solution is obtained; b) adding the intragranular excipients to the inclusion complex solution, granulating and drying the mixture in a fluidized bed granulator to obtain dry granules; and c) compressing the dry granules with extragranular excipients to obtain tablet cores.

In some embodiments, the method further comprises d) coating the tablet cores with a coating.

In some embodiments, the method comprises: a) preparing an inclusion complex solution, which method comprises: weighing the inclusion material and the active ingredient, dissolving the inclusion material in water completely, adding the active ingredient while stirring, stirring the mixture in water bath until a clear inclusion complex solution is obtained; b) adding the filler to the inclusion complex solution, granulating and drying the mixture in a fluidized bed granulator to obtain dry granules; and c) blending the dry granules with extragranular excipients to obtain the total mixed particles, pressing the total mixed particles, and filling the total mixed particles in hard capsules.

In some embodiments, the method comprises: a) preparing an inclusion complex solution, which method comprises: weighing the inclusion material and the active ingredient, dissolving the inclusion material in water completely, adding the active ingredient while stirring, stirring the mixture in water bath until a clear inclusion complex solution is obtained; and b) adding the filler to the inclusion complex solution, granulating and drying the mixture in a fluidized bed granulator to obtain dry granules.

EXAMPLES

It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the following examples are intended to be illustrative of the invention and are not to be construed as limiting the disclosure. Persons skilled in the art may modify, adjust, substitute or vary the examples. Unless specifically stated otherwise, specific techniques or conditions that are not expressly described in the following examples may be ascertained by conventional techniques or conditions in the art or in accordance with the product specifications. The drugs, reagents or instruments used without specific indications of the manufacturer are commercially available products.

Among them, the reference listed drug VIIBRYD® used in the examples was 10 mg vilazodone hydrochloride tablet which was prepared by Merck KGaA Germany.

Unless specifically stated, the following testing methods were used in the following examples:

HPLC: Agilent 1260

Chromatographic conditions: UV 242 nm detection wavelength, chromatographic column: kromasil 100-5 C18 4.6 mm*150 mm, 5 microns, mobile phase: 0.02 M pH 6.0 potassium hydrogen phosphate and acetonitrile at 54:46 (V/V), flow rate: 1.0 mL/minute, injection volume: 10 microliters, run time: 4.5 minutes.

Comparative Example 1

In Comparative Example 1, vilazodone was micronized without addition of cyclodextrin. The micronized vilazodone was mixed with lactose, microcrystalline cellulose, silicon dioxide and magnesium stearate according to Table 1 to form total mixed granules, which were compressed into 100.0 mg vilazodone tablets (C1).

TABLE 1 Ingredients of Comparative Example Tablets C1 Ingredient Weight (g) Vilazodone hydrochloride (From IV) 5.00 Lactose 25.00 Microcrystalline cellulose 18.50 Silicon dioxide 1.00 Magnesium stearate 0.50

Vilazodone tablets C1 were put in a 0.1% acetic acid dissolution medium having a pH of 3.1 which is in vitro simulation of fed conditions, a 0.1 N HCl dissolution medium simulating fasted conditions, and a dissolution medium having a pH of 6.8 simulating the intestinal conditions. Drug dissolution was detected by a dissolution apparatus using the US Pharmacopoeia paddle method (USP II) at a speed of 60 RPM. An aliquot of the solution of each time point was taken, and filtered with a 0.45 micron microporous membrane. The filtrate of each sample was analyzed by HPLC. The results are shown in Tables 11-13.

Comparative Example 2

In Comparative Example 2, vilazodone hydrochloride was mixed with lactose monohydrate, and β-cyclodextrin in Table 2, and the mixture was milled to a particle size of about 20 μm, mixed with other excipients in Table 2, and compressed into vilazodone tablets having a total weight of 100.0 mg (C2). The tablets were subjected to in vitro dissolution test according to the method described in Comparative Example 1. The results are shown in Tables 11-13.

TABLE 2 Ingredients of Comparative Example Tablets C2 Ingredient Weight (%, w/w) Vilazodone hydrochloride (From IV) 10.00 Lactose monohydrate 25.00 β-Cyclodextrin 25.00 Microcrystalline cellulose 29.00 Sodium carboxymethyl starch 5.00 Silicon dioxide 3.00 Magnesium stearate 3.00 Total 100.00

Comparative Example 3

In Comparative Example 3, vilazodone hydrochloride was mixed with hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin, and the mixture was milled to a particle size of about 5 μm. The particles were dispersed in an aqueous solution of polysorbate 80, dried and blended evenly with other excipients in Table 3, and directly compressed into tablets (C3). The tablets were subjected to in vitro dissolution test according to the method described in Comparative Example 1. The results are shown in Tables 11-13.

TABLE 3 Ingredients of Comparative Example Tablets C3 Ingredient Weight (%, w/w) Vilazodone hydrochloride (From IV) 10.00 Hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin 10.00 Starch 29.95 Lactose monohydrate 40.00 Sodium carboxymethylcellulose 5.00 Sodium lauryl sulfate 3.00 Polysorbate 80 0.05 Silicon dioxide 1.00 Magnesium stearate 1.00 Total 100.00

Example 1

In Example 1, vilazodone hydrochloride (API) and betadex sulfobutyl ether sodium (SBE-β-CD) in ratios according to Table 4 were stirred in water at 80° C. in a water bath for 4 hours, to form inclusion complex solutions, which were lyophilized to obtain inclusion complex compositions as powders.

TABLE 4 Ratios of Vilazodone Hydrochloride and Betadex Sulfobutyl Ether Sodium Molar Ratio Weight Ratio API SBE-β-CD API SBE-β-CD Water No. (mol) (mol) (g) (g) (g) 0 1.0 0.2 1.0 1.0 1.387 1 1.0 0.5 1.0 2.4 3.329 2 1.0 0.8 1.0 3.5 4.855 3 1.0 1.4 1.0 6.5 9.016 4 1.0 2.5 1.0 11.4 15.812 5 1.0 10.0 1.0 45.4 62.970

A sample of each inclusion complex solution was filtered through a 0.45 micron filter membrane and the subsequent filtrate was subjected to HPLC testing to determine the content of the drug in the inclusion complex solution. Inclusion rate=included drug amount/total drug amount×100%. The results are shown in Table 5.

TABLE 5 Inclusion Amounts and Rates API Total API Inclusion Inclusion API:SBE-β-CD Volume amount Amount Rate Weight Ratio No. (mL) (g) (g) (%) (%) 1-0 25.0 8.626 1.811 21.0 1:1  1-1 25.0 3.620 1.245 34.4 1:2.4 1-2 25.0 2.475 1.175 47.5 1:3.5 1-3 25.0 1.142 1.062 93.0 1:6.5 1-4 25.0 0.762 0.709 93.0  1:11.4 1-5 25.0 0.190 0.187 98.4  1:45.4

Vilazodone inclusion complexes 1-0 to 1-5, C1, and reference listed drug (RLD) (10 mg each) were subjected to in vitro dissolution tests in a 0.1 N HCl and a pH 6.8 buffer according to the method described in Comparative Example 1. The results are shown in Tables 6-7.

TABLE 6 Cumulative Dissolution Rate in 0.1N HCl No. 10 min (%) 15 min (%) 20 min (%) 30 min (%) 45 min (%) 0   31 ± 1.15   34 ± 0.58   38 ± 1.00   44 ± 1.00   48 ± 1.15 1 47.0 ± 1.0 53.0 ± 3.5 59.0 ± 0.6 64.0 ± 1.0 67.0 ± 1.2 2 56.0 ± 3.6 61.0 ± 2.3 66.0 ± 2.1 71.0 ± 2.3 74.0 ± 3.0 3 76.0 ± 2.5 81.0 ± 1.5 81.0 ± 2.5 81.0 ± 1.0 79.0 ± 2.6 4 90.0 ± 2.0 96.0 ± 1.5 98.0 ± 0.0 98.0 ± 0.0 98.0 ± 0.6 5 96.0 ± 2.5 102.0 ± 0.6  100.0 ± 0.6  102.0 ± 0.6  101.0 ± 0.6  C1 14.0 ± 3.1 21.0 ± 1.0 24.0 ± 1.2 30.0 ± 1.0 35.0 ± 0.6 RLD 25.0 ± 2.9 33.0 ± 2.1 38.0 ± 1.2 46.0 ± 4.2 56.0 ± 1.5

TABLE 7 Cumulative Dissolution Rate in pH 6.8 Buffer 10 min 20 min No. (%) 15 min (%) (%) 30 min (%) 45 min (%) 0 20 ± 1.15 23 ± 0.58 24 ± 1.00 23 ± 0.00 22 ± 0.58 1 31 ± 2 38 ± 5 47 ± 1.7 54 ± 3.5 58 ± 3 2 36 ± 2.5 45 ± 4 48 ± 3.6 50 ± 6.7 56 ± 2.9 3 65 ± 1 75 ± 2.5 76 ± 3.8 66 ± 3.2 77 ± 4.4 4 81 ± 4.5 93 ± 1 94 ± 1 95 ± 1.2 95 ± 0.6 5 89 ± 2.1 94 ± 3.5 98 ± 1 98 ± 1.5 98 ± 2.1 C1  0 ± 0  0 ± 0  0 ± 0  1 ± 0  1 ± 0 RLD  2 ± 0.6  4 ± 0.6  4 ± 0.6  5 ± 0  6 ± 0.6

Results

When the weight ratio of vilazodone hydrochloride to SBE-β-CD is 1:1 (1-0), the dissolution of the API in 0.1 N HCl was low and the bioavailability was not significantly improved. In comparison, when the weight ratio of vilazodone hydrochloride to SBE-β-CD was 1:2.4 to 45.4 (1-1 to 1-5), and the inclusion rate of vilazodone hydrochloride increased from 34.4% to 98.4%. When the weight ratio of vilazodone hydrochloride to SBE-β-CD was 1:45.4, the inclusion rate reached about 100% (1-5). Further increases in the amount of SBE-β-CD did not increase the cumulative release of the drug, but would increase the production cost as more SBE-β-CD would be used.

In summary, when the weight ratio of vilazodone hydrochloride to SBE-β-CD was 1:2.4 to 1:45.4, the inclusion and dissolution rates as well as the production costs were optimized. The solubility of the drug was improved significantly under simulated fasted conditions. Considering production cost and solubility, the effect was better when the weight ratio of vilazodone hydrochloride to SBE-β-CD is 1:6.5 to 1:11.5. The test results show that encapsulating vilazodone hydrochloride in the cavity of the inclusion material could result in a good solubility at 0.1 N HCl and pH 6.8, leading to complete release of the drug.

Example 2

In Example 2, vilazodone hydrochloride and α-cyclodextrin according to Table 8 were added to purified water with stirring. The mixture was stirred at 80° C. for 4 hours to form a clear inclusion complex solution. The inclusion complex solution was spray dried to form vilazodone hydrochloride inclusion complex composition as a solid powder. The vilazodone hydrochloride inclusion complex composition was mixed with microcrystalline cellulose, lactose, crospovidone and magnesium stearate according to Table 8 to obtain blended granules, which were compressed into tablets having a total weight of 381.2 mg (A1).

TABLE 8 Ingredients of Tablets A1 Comprising Inclusion Complex Ingredient Weight (g) Vilazodone hydrochloride (From IV) 0.65 α-cyclodextrin 10.50 Purified water 31.34 Microcrystalline Cellulose 6.63 Lactose 2.57 Crospovidone 2.29 Magnesium stearate 0.23

In Example 2, the dissolution rate of vilazodone hydrochloride inclusion complex tablets was accessed in a pH 3.1 dissolution medium (0.1% acetic acid), a 0.1 N HCl dissolution medium and a pH 6.8 dissolution medium according to the test conditions of Comparative Example 1. After the in vitro dissolution test, the test solution was filtered through a 0.45 micron microfiltration membrane and the filtrate was subjected to HPLC analysis. The results are shown in Tables 11-13.

Example 3

In Example 3, the tablet formulation (A2) shown in Table 9 comprising vilazodone inclusion complex having a total tablet weight of 200.0 mg/tablet was prepared and tested as described in Example 2. The results are shown in Tables 11-13.

TABLE 9 Ingredients of Tablets A2 Comprising Inclusion Complex Ingredient Weight (g) Vilazodone hydrochloride (From IV) 5.00 γ-cyclodextrin 40.00 Purified water 40.00 Microcrystalline cellulose 29.00 Lactose 15.00 Crospovidone 10.00 Magnesium stearate 1.00

Example 4

In Example 4, the vilazodone tablets (A3) were prepared as described in Example 3 with the exception that γ-cyclodextrin was replaced with hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin. The in vitro dissolution of the tablets A3 was tested as described in Example 2 and the results are shown in Tables 11-13.

Example 5

In Example 5, the specific formulation of the vilazodone tablet (A4) was shown in Table 10. Vilazodone hydrochloride and betadex sulfobutyl ether sodium were added to purified water at 80° C. with stirring, and the mixture was stirred for 4 hours to form a clear solution. The inclusion complex solution was used as the granulating solution, microcrystalline cellulose and croscarmellose sodium were used as the substrate in a subsequent granulating process to form granules. The granules were dried by fluid bed to form dry granules. The dry granules were mixed with extragranular excipients crospovidone and magnesium stearate to form blended granules, and the blended granules were compressed to form vilazodone tablets weighing 216.2 mg each. The drug dissolution of the vilazodone inclusion complex tablets A4 was assessed in dissolution mediums having pH 3.1 (0.1% acetic acid), 0.1 N HCl or pH 6.8. After in vitro dissolution test, the test solution was filtered through a 0.45 micron microfiltration membrane and the filtrate was analyzed by HPLC. The results are shown in Tables 11-13.

TABLE 10 Ingredients of Tablets A4 Comprising Inclusion Complex Ingredient Weight (g) Vilazodone hydrochloride (From IV) 40.00 Sulfobutyl-β-cyclodextrin 320.00 Purified water 400.00 Microcrystalline cellulose (intragranular) 300.00 Croscarmellose sodium (intragranular) 100.00 Crospovidone (extragranular) 100.00 Magnesium stearate (extragranular) 4.80

Results

Tables 11-13 show the results of the dissolution test of the formulations A1-A4 of Examples 2-5, Comparative Examples C1-C3, and RLD in dissolution mediums having a pH of 3.1 (0.1% acetic acid), 0.1 N HCl or a pH of 6.8, respectively.

TABLE 11 Cumulative Dissolution at pH 3.1 Formulation 10 min (%) 15 min (%) 20 min (%) 30 min (%) 45 min (%) A1 56.0 ± 1.5 79.0 ± 3.2 99.0 ± 4.6 104.0 ± 0.6  104.0 ± 1.0  A2 89.0 ± 3.1 92.0 ± 1.0 94.0 ± 1.5 93.0 ± 1.0 91.0 ± 4.2 A3 83.0 ± 6.6 95.0 ± 1.7 94.0 ± 1.5 95.0 ± 2.1 95.0 ± 3.5 A4 69.0 ± 12.1 95.0 ± 4.4 101.0 ± 3.4  102.0 ± 1.3  101.0 ± 3   C1 68.0 ± 11.0 82.0 ± 5.6 89.0 ± 2.0 91.0 ± 1.5 92.0 ± 3.6 C2   97 ± 1.00   97 ± 1.00   97 ± 1.53   97 ± 2.00   97 ± 1.53 C3   56 ± 1.73   63 ± 0.58   67 ± 0.58   75 ± 1.00   81 ± 1.53 RLD 87.0 ± 2.3 93.0 ± 1.0 93.0 ± 1.0 93.0 ± 1.7 93.0 ± 0.6

TABLE 12 Cumulative Dissolution in 0.1N HCl Formulation 10 min (%) 15 min (%) 20 min (%) 30 min (%) 45 min (%) A1 39.0 ± 2.3 60.0 ± 2.5 76.0 ± 1.5 95.0 ± 0.0 97.0 ± 0.0 A2 88.0 ± 0.0 93.0 ± 0.6 92.0 ± 1.0 93.0 ± 0.6 93.0 ± 1.0 A3 92.0 ± 1.5 97.0 ± 0.6 99.0 ± 1.0 98.0 ± 1.0 98.0 ± 2.1 A4 71.0 ± 9.7 97.0 ± 7.2 99.0 ± 2.3 100.0 ± 1.8  100.0 ± 1.6  C1 14.0 ± 3.1 21.0 ± 1.0 24.0 ± 1.2 30.0 ± 1.0 35.0 ± 0.6 C2   51 ± 1.00   53 ± 2.52   57 ± 0.58   61 ± 0.00   64 ± 0.00 C3   55 ± 1.15   43 ± 2.00   36 ± 3.06   28 ± 2.00   19 ± 1.00 RLD 25.0 ± 2.9 33.0 ± 2.1 38.0 ± 1.2 46.0 ± 4.2 56.0 ± 1.5

TABLE 13 Cumulative Dissolution at pH 6.8 Formulation 10 min (%) 15 min (%) 20 min (%) 30 min (%) 45 min (%) A1 26 ± 3.5 48 ± 11.1 69 ± 25.6 75 ± 9 77 ± 3.8 A2 54 ± 3.5 70 ± 7.5 76 ± 5.3 77 ± 1 74 ± 5.1 A3 69 ± 10.7 81 ± 3.6 86 ± 3.2 88 ± 2.5 83 ± 3.5 A4 70 ± 2.6 80 ± 1.5 81 ± 1.5 82 ± 3.5 82 ± 3.1 C1  0 ± 0  0 ± 0  0 ± 0  1 ± 0  1 ± 0 C2 13 ± 0.58 15 ± 0.58 16 ± 0.58 16 ± 0.58 16 ± 0.00 C3 15 ± 8.72 23 ± 2.31 24 ± 3.00 26 ± 1.53 26 ± 1.00 RLD  2 ± 0.6  4 ± 0.6  4 ± 0.6  5 ± 0  6 ± 0.6

As shown in Tables 11-13, the dissolution rates of A1-A4 were similar to C1-C3 and RLD at pH 3.1 (0.1% acetic acid) with cumulative dissolution rates of more than 93% at 45 min. The cumulative release of C1 (micronized) and RLD in 0.1 N HCl was only 35% and 56% at 45 min, respectively. The cumulative release of C2-C3, which are formulations prepared in accordance with CN104116741A, was 64% and 19%, respectively. By comparison, the cumulative release of A1-A4 reached 93% to 100% at 45 min, with the cumulative dissolution rate at each time point being significantly higher than that of C1 and RLD. The results show that the dissolution improvement of the formulations A1-A4 disclosed herein over C2-C3 was more prominent at 0.1 N HCl. At pH 6.8, the cumulative release rates of A1-A4 at 45 min were about 3 times or higher of the mere 1%-26% of C1-C3 and 6% of RLD.

Example 6

The specific formulation of vilazodone formulation of Example 6 is shown in Table 14. Vilazodone and sulfobutyl-β-cyclodextrin were added to purified water at 80° C. with stirring, and the mixture was stirred for 4 hours to form a clear inclusion complex solution. The inclusion complex solution was used as the granulating solution, and microcrystalline cellulose as the substrate in the subsequent granulating process to form granules, which were dried by a fluid bed granulator to form dry vilazodone granules. The dry granules were mixed with extragranular excipient magnesium stearate to form total mixed granules, which were compressed to tablets each comprising 40 mg vilazodone hydrochloride. Alternatively, the total mixed granules were filled into hard capsules to form capsules. Dissolution of the vilazodone tablets was determined in dissolution mediums having 0.1 N HCl, pH 3.1 or pH 6.8, respectively, using the procedure described in Example 2. The results are shown in Table 15. As the results show, the dissolution of the vilazodone tablets in 0.1 N HCl, pH 3.1 and pH 6.8 mediums are similar and not affected by the pH value, reaching to nearly 100% in 15 minutes.

TABLE 14 Ingredients of Formulation of Example 6 Comprising Inclusion Complex Ingredient Weight (g) Vilazodone hydrochloride (From IV) 100.00 SBE-β-CD 900.00 Purified water 900.00 Microcrystalline cellulose 300.00 Magnesium stearate (extragranular) 10.00

TABLE 15 Cumulative Dissolution of Tablets of Example 6 Dissolution 5 min 10 min 15 min 20 min 30 min 45 min Medium (%) (%) (%) (%) (%) (%) 0.1N HCl 53 ± 2.12 87 ± 1.41 98 ± 0.00 98 ± 0.00 98 ± 0.00 98 ± 0.00 pH 3.1 52 ± 2.00 85 ± 0.58 97 ± 0.58 98 ± 0.00 98 ± 0.58 98 ± 0.00 pH 6.8 46 ± 0.58 78 ± 1.00 93 ± 0.00 95 ± 0.00 95 ± 0.58 95 ± 0.58

Example 7

The specific formulation of Example 7 is shown in Table 16. Vilazodone and sulfobutyl-β-cyclodextrin were added to purified water at 80° C. with stirring and the mixture was stirred for 4 hours to form a clear inclusion complex solution. The inclusion complex solution was used as a granulating solution, and sucrose as the substrate in the subsequent granulation process to form granules which were dried by a fluid bed granulator to form dry vilazodone granules.

TABLE 16 Ingredients of Formulation of Example 7 Comprising Inclusion Complex Ingredient Weight (g) Vilazodone hydrochloride (From IV) 100.00 SBE-β-CD 900.00 Purified water 900.00 Sucrose 3200.00

Example 8

The specific formulation of Example 8 is shown in Table 17. Vilazodone (Crystalline From XVI) and sulfobutyl-β-cyclodextrin were added to purified water at 80° C. with stirring, and the mixture was stirred for 4 hours to form a clear inclusion complex solution. The inclusion complex solution was used as the granulating solution, and microcrystalline cellulose and lactose as the substrate in the subsequent granulation process and the resulting granules were dried by a fluid bed granulator to form dry vilazodone granules. The dry vilazodone granules were mixed with extragranular excipients to form total mixed granules, and the total mixed granules were compressed to form tablets. Vilazodone tablets were subjected to dissolution tests in dissolution mediums having 0.1 N HCl, a pH of 3.1 or a pH of 6.8 respectively under conditions as describe in Example 2. The in vitro dissolution test results are shown in Table 19.

TABLE 17 Ingredients of Formulation of Example 8 Comprising Inclusion Complex Ingredient Weight (g) Vilazodone hydrochloride (From XVI) 53.90 SBE-β-CD 511.50 Microcrystalline cellulose 312.29 Lactose 80.74 Vilazodone hydrochloride (From XVI) 23.10 (extragranular) Crospovidone (extragranular) 107.69 Sodium stearyl fumarate (extragranular) 10.78

Comparative Example 4

In Comparative Example 4, vilazodone (Form XVI) was micronized without addition of cyclodextrin. The micronized vilazodone was mixed with lactose, microcrystalline cellulose, silicon dioxide and magnesium stearate according to Table 18 to form total mixed granules. The total mixed granules were compressed into 100.0 mg vilazodone tablets (C4). The vilazodone tablets were subjected to dissolution tests in dissolution mediums having 0.1 N HCl, a pH of 3.1 or a pH of 6.8 respectively under test conditions as described in Example 2. The in vitro dissolution test results are shown in Table 19.

TABLE 18 Ingredients of Formulation of Comparative Example 4 Ingredient Weight (g) Vilazodone hydrochloride (From XVI) 5.00 Lactose 25.00 Microcrystalline cellulose 18.50 Silicon dioxide 1.00 Magnesium stearate 0.50

TABLE 19 Cumulative Dissolution Percentage Comparison of Tablets of Example 8, Comparative Example 4 and RLD Dissolution medium Exp. 10 min 15 min 20 min 30 min 45 min pH 3.1 Exp. 8 85 ± 9.07 96 ± 2.00 98 ± 1.53 98 ± 2.08 99 ± 2.08 C4 63 ± 4.7 73 ± 2.1 79 ± 1.7 85 ± 2.1 88 ± 2.9 RLD 87 ± 2.30 93 ± 1.00 93 ± 1.00 93 ± 1.70 93 ± 0.60 0.1N HCl Exp. 8 81 ± 0.58 90 ± 1.73 91 ± 2.08 95 ± 0.58 97 ± 0.00 C4 11 ± 0.6 15 ± 0.6 19 ± 0.6 22 ± 0.6 27 ± 1.2 RLD 25 ± 2.90 33 ± 2.10 38 ± 1.20 46 ± 4.20 56 ± 1.50 pH 6.8 Exp. 8 70 ± 0.58 73 ± 0.58 74 ± 1.15 74 ± 0.58 75 ± 0.58 C4  0 ± 0  0 ± 0  0 ± 0  1 ± 0.6  1 ± 0 RLD  2 ± 0.60  4 ± 0.60  4 ± 0.60  5 ± 0  6 ± 0.60

In Example 8, Form XVI of vilazodone hydrochloride reported in U.S. Pat. No. 8,673,921 was used. As shown by the results of C4 and RLD in Table 19, the crystalline forms of vilazodone also have an effect on the dissolution. Using the inclusion technology, vilazodone exhibited good solubility and a higher bioavailability regardless of the crystalline forms.

Example 9

Six beagle dogs were randomly divided into two groups in double crossover experiments under fasted and fed conditions. The dogs were given orally A4 (10 mg tablet) or C1. Whole blood samples were taken at 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 24 hours. Plasma samples were prepared as follows: whole blood 200-400 μL was placed in a centrifuge tube, K₂EDTA was added as an anticoagulant, and centrifuged for 60 min. The plasma samples were kept at −70° C. The concentration of vilazodone in the blood plasma was measured by a validated LC-MS/MS method and pharmacokinetic parameters were assessed with non-compartment model using WinNonlin 6.3 software. The results are shown in Table 20.

TABLE 20 Pharmacokinetics Parameters in Fasted and Fed Dogs Pharmacokinetic parameters (n = 3) T_(max) (h) C_(max) (ng/mL) AUC_(last) (h * ng/mL) A4, fasted Mean 0.9 116 398 CV % 22 45 71 A4, fed Mean 1.8 90.1 341.4 CV % 58 66 77 C1, fasted Mean 1.0 25.4 105.2 CV % 0 57 55 C1, fed Mean 1.7 67.8 293.8 CV % 31 48 86

As shown in Table 20, the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC_(last)) and the peak plasma concentration (C_(max)) of A4 (tablets prepared in example 5) under fasted conditions were higher than under fed conditions, achieving the purpose of improving the bioavailability under fasted conditions. By comparison, the C_(max) of C1 under fasted conditions was only about 37.5% of the C_(max) under fed conditions and the AUC_(last) of C1 under fasted conditions was only about 35.8% of the AUC_(last) under fed conditions.

Example 10

Six Beagle dogs were randomly divided into two groups in double crossover experiments under fasted and fed conditions, respectively. The dogs were given orally A4 (10 mg tablet) or RLD (10 mg). Whole blood samples of the dogs were analyzed according to the procedure described in Example 9 and the results are shown in Table 21.

TABLE 21 Pharmacokinetics Parameters in Fasted and Fed Dogs Pharmacokinetic parameters (n = 3) T_(max) (h) C_(max) (ng/mL) AUC_(last) (h * ng/mL) A4, fasted Mean 0.8 148.7 451.7 CV % 31.0 41.6 54.0 A4, fed Mean 1.0 106.2 343.3 CV % 54.8 30.8 37.5 RLD, fasted Mean 1.5 24.6 109.3 CV % 36.5 77.1 85.6 RLD, fed Mean 2.3 76.7 267.2 CV % 79.8 74.1 70.4

As shown in Table 21, the AUC_(last) and C_(max) of A4 under fasted conditions were higher than the AUC_(last) and C_(max) under fed conditions, achieving the purpose of improving the bioavailability under fasted conditions. By comparison, the C_(max) of RLD under fasted conditions was only about 32.1% of the C_(max) of RLD under fed conditions, and the AUC_(last) of RLD under fasted conditions was about 41% of the AUC_(last) of RLD under fed conditions.

Example 11

According to the inclusion technology disclosed herein, 10 mg vilazodone coated tablets comprising the inclusion complex were prepared according to the formulation of Example 8, and given to three Beagle dogs orally under fasted or fed conditions in a double crossover experiment. Whole blood samples were collected and analyzed as described in Experiment 9. The results are shown in Table 22.

TABLE 22 Pharmacokinetics Parameters in Fasted and Fed Dogs Pharmacokinetic parameters (n = 3) T_(max) (h) C_(max) (ng/mL) AUC_(last) (h * ng/mL) fasted Mean 0.67 111.04 382.91 CV % 43.3 43.1 54.0 fed Mean 2.0 96.52 382.64 CV % 86.5 63.43 59.6

As shown in Table 22, AUC_(last) and C_(max) of the coated tablets were similar under fasted and fed conditions, achieving bioequivalence under fasted and fed conditions. As shown in Experiments 9-11, the formulations comprising the vilazodone inclusion complex exhibited improved absorption of vilazodone when taken with or without food, which reduces variability in therapeutic effect due to food effect, and ensures drug performance and improves patients' flexibility and compliance. In addition, vilazodone inclusion complex and formulations comprising the complex can be prepared conveniently with low production cost and under industrial manufactural conditions. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A composition comprising an inclusion complex comprising an active ingredient included in an inclusion material, wherein the active ingredient is vilazodone or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein the weight ratio of the active ingredient to the inclusion material is from 1:5 to 1:45.4.
 2. A composition comprising an active ingredient and an inclusion material, wherein the active ingredient is vilazodone or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and wherein at least 50% of the active ingredient is contained in inclusion complexes comprising the active ingredient and the inclusion material, wherein the weight ratio of the active ingredient to the inclusion material is from 1:5 to 1:45.4.
 3. The composition of claim 2, wherein at least 80% of the active ingredient is contained in the inclusion complexes.
 4. The composition of claim 2, wherein the inclusion material comprises cyclodextrin or a derivative thereof.
 5. The composition of claim 2, wherein the weight ratio is from 1:6.5 to 1:45.4.
 6. The composition of claim 2, wherein the weight ratio is from 1:8 to 1:16.5.
 7. The composition of claim 2, wherein the inclusion material is selected from a group consisting of α-cyclodextrin, β-cyclodextrin, and γ-cyclodextrin and derivatives thereof.
 8. The composition of claim 7, wherein the inclusion material is hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin or sulfobutyl-β-cyclodextrin.
 9. A pharmaceutical formulation comprising the composition of claim 2 and one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients.
 10. The pharmaceutical formulation of claim 9, wherein the pharmaceutically acceptable excipients comprise one or more of fillers, disintegrants, and lubricants.
 11. The pharmaceutical formulation of claim 10, wherein the filler is selected from the group consisting of lactose, sucrose, fructose, fructo-oligose, glucose, maltose, powdered sugar, D-mannitol, erythritol, xylitol, corn starch, potato starch, rice starch, part of the alpha starch, microcrystalline cellulose, calcium sulfate, calcium hydrogen phosphate and calcium carbonate.
 12. The pharmaceutical formulation of claim 9, wherein the formulation comprises 2% w/w to 8% w/w of vilazodone based on the total weight of the formulation.
 13. The pharmaceutical formulation of claim 9, wherein the formulation comprises 20% w/w to 70% w/w of the inclusion material based on the total weight of the formulation.
 14. The pharmaceutical formulation of claim 13, wherein the pharmaceutical formulation comprises 2% w/w to 8% w/w of vilazodone, 20% w/w to 70% w/w of the inclusion material, 20% w/w to 80% w/w of the-filler, 0% w/w to 25% w/w of the-disintegrant, and 0% w/w to 2% w/w of the lubricant based on the total weight of the formulation.
 15. An inclusion complex comprising an active ingredient contained in an inclusion material, wherein the active ingredient is vilazodone or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and the inclusion material comprises cyclodextrin or a derivative thereof, and wherein the weight ratio of the active ingredient to the inclusion material is from 1:5 to 1:45.4.
 16. The inclusion complex of claim 15, wherein the inclusion material is selected from a group consisting of α-cyclodextrin, β-cyclodextrin, and γ-cyclodextrin and derivatives thereof.
 17. The inclusion complex of claim 15, wherein the inclusion material is hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin or sulfobutyl-β-cyclodextrin.
 18. A method of preparing the composition of claim 2, wherein the method comprises dissolving the active ingredient and the inclusion material to form the inclusion complex solution of claim
 2. 